8x68 S

During the 1930’s the popularity of the 8mm bore reached an all-time high amongst Germanic hunters. The Versailles treaty had been in place since 1919 and although the treaty was beginning to lose its teeth, the banning of the 8x57 JS cartridge had at least fueled the imagination of a few German designers towards more powerful versions of their beloved 8mm chambering. It was during this time that August Schuler set about designing an 8mm magnum sized cartridge, also working towards the creation of a 6.5mm variant.

Schuler sought the help of the ammunition manufacturing company Rheinisch Westfälische Sprengstoff (RWS) to help develop the cartridge which would eventually be housed in sporting versions of the M98 Mauser rifle.

In 1939, Schuler released the 8x68 S cartridge along with the 6.5x68mm. The S designation reflected the .323” bore diameter. The 68mm case was of brilliant design, very similar in capacity to the modern .300 Winchester Magnum beltless and featuring a long case neck for optimum concentricity. The case web was heavy, designed to withstand hot loads. This was an ideal magnum case design.

The 8x68 S fired a 200 grain bullet at over 2900fps which was extremely potent for a cartridge designed during the 1930’s. To house the 8x68 S and its sibling, the M98 action had to be milled forwards (front of magazine well towards bottom recoil lug rebate) and the magazine extended accordingly. Without this modification the M98 magazine was far too short for Schulers potent cartridge designs.

In that same year, Germany went to war, putting an immediate halt to any thoughts of fine hunting rifles and cartridges. Production of 8x68 S and 6.5x68mm rifles remained extremely low. Following the Second World War, problems remained for some time due to manufacturing difficulties. Nevertheless, the German hunting rifle industry was gradually rebuilt and as the industry became stronger, so too did the popularity of Schulers cartridges. Of the two, the 8x68 S won wider favor for its ability to launch heavy bullets, capable of producing excellent performance on a wide range of game body weights. The 8x68 S saw use in both Europe and Africa, performing especially well on large bodied plains game.

Western attitudes towards German rifles and cartridges were now mixed with a clean split between veterans who despised anything that reminded them of the war versus those who had gained a great deal of respect for their adversaries. U.S rifle and cartridge manufacturing companies stayed well clear of anything metric at this time. Had it been otherwise, the 68mm cartridge may have, like the 8x57 JS, become the parent design of our modern magnums - but not this time. Instead, the 8x86mmS and the occasional 6.5x68mm found their way into the hands of western hunters in limited numbers.

It was not until the 1960’s that the popularity of the 8x68 S grew in the west. The occasional gun magazine write up would inspire the imagination of hunters with images of the African Continent and of potent magnums (including the Weatherby Magnums). The popularity of the 8x68 S continued to grow in the west. Brass and loaded ammunition was always a concern, limiting full mainstream acceptance, yet the 8x68 S retained an enthusiastic following. This lasted through to the mid 1980’s at which time there was a small boost in the popularity of the 8x68 S amongst hunters looking for interesting alternatives to mainstream cartridges. In Europe, the 8x68 S continued to maintain a steady following which has remained consistent to this day.

In Europe the 8x68 S is commonly used on both small deer species through to large soft skinned game including the European Moose. In the U.S, the 8x68 S has been used on all manner of game up to the size of Alaskan Brown Bear and Moose, in Australia the 8x68 S was once popular for hunting Asian water buffalo. In Africa, the 8x68 S still retains a mild following and is used on all game apart from those which are regulated by caliber restrictions. In New Zealand, the 8x68 S has been used on all manner of medium game.

The 8x68 S is currently viewed as a classic cartridge in the west as opposed to its mainstream acceptance in Europe. Either way, this cartridge maintains a high level of respect. Those who use the 8x68 S, thoroughly enjoy its prowess as a hunting cartridge. The 8x68 S is the parent case design for the .375 Holderlin and as a wildcat has been necked down to both .30 caliber and 7mm. These wildcats are occasionally found in the U.S but are most popular in Europe and South Africa.

Schuler’s 8x68 S can to a great extent be compared to the .300 Winchester Magnum. The 8x68s case has a base diameter of .523” (13.3mm) and a slightly rebated rim at .511” (13mm). The .300 Winchester Magnum has a base diameter of .513” (13.03mm) and a rim diameter of .532” (13.51mm), the 67.5mm case (trim length) of the 8x68 S (2.680”) is slightly longer than the Winchester at 2.260” (66.5mm). RWS brass features much heavier case walls than Winchester .300 brass which does limit powder capacity however the 8x68 S works well at high pressures.

The slightly wider bore of the 8x68s achieves velocities on average 100fps faster than top hand loads for the .300Win Mag when both are loaded with bullets of equal weight, however 8mm projectiles typically lack the BC’s of the .30 caliber which levels the playing field.

When I first began researching the 8x68 S, things were a lot different than they are today. Although the 8mm bore is only 5% wider in diameter than the .30 calibers, in years gone by, European made 8mm ammunition produced much more devastating wound channels than western manufactured .30 caliber ammunition with regard to bullets weighing 165 grains and heavier. The difference in wounding was often credited to the larger diameter of the 8mm bore rather than the ammunition used. My initial thoughts were the same, the results were so vastly different. Although the .30 caliber U.S produced bullets had higher BC’s, aerodynamic performance did not pan out in the field. A lean animal hit at 300 yards with a 180 grain U.S produced .30 caliber bullet would run, a similar condition animal hit with an 8mm bullet would drop. The increased wind drift of the 8mm was justifiable.

As new U.S .30 caliber bullet designs emerged, I was able to witness changes in performance that put the .30 caliber on par with the 8x68 S. The more I studied performance, the more I had to accept the fact that bullet design was the key and that the 5% increase in bullet diameter (or 10% increase in frontal area) was less significant than I had initially believed. As stated in the 8x57 JS text, continued research revealed that the decrease in SD helped the 8mm to produce greater energy transfer than the .30 caliber, a factor that could be exploited, adding a level of game weight versatility to the 8mm bore.

South Africans have certainly enjoyed the hard hitting performance of the 8x68 S but it must be noted that with changes in hunting tactics over the years, many South African hunters have leaned towards cartridges with greater reach than typical European offerings. It is for this reason that wildcatters have necked the 8x68 S down to 30 caliber, utilizing U.S produced projectiles.

Comparisons aside, the 8x68 S is a powerhouse and if anything, is more so now thanks to new bullet designs which add a great deal of flexibility to the old cartridge. Ironically, in the formative years of the 8x68s, many projectiles were not up to the task of handling game heavier than 400kg (880lb) with a high risk of bullet blow up on heavy bone. With current bullet designs, the 8x68 S can be put to use on both light framed and heavy bodied game at close to extended ranges. Performance with traditional European ammunition is often spectacular out to moderate ranges while new U.S bullet designs are enabling 8mm users to increase effective ranges.

It has been said that the 8x68 S is capable of anchoring the largest of heavy game which is quite true. However this statement does not take speed of killing or shot placement into account and is for all intents and purpose, an utterly redundant statement. As is reiterated throughout this knowledge base, wider bores produce the fastest kills on large game with ordinary chest shots. Fast killing minimizes both suffering of game and the risk of wounded dangerous game attacking the hunter after the shot. As has been suggested in the .30 sections, if hunting large, heavy game, use a bullet of sound construction (e.g Woodleigh) and adopt neck or head shots as is appropriate. For ordinary chest shooting (broadside and angling), the 8x68 S is at its best on game weighing up to 450kg (1000lb) (eg.Scandinavian Moose).

RWS currently list five loads for the 8x68 S. These include the 11.7 gram (180.5 grain) twin core DK bullet at 3100fps, the 11.7 gram (180.5 grain) cone point KS bullet at 2854fps, the 12.1 gram (187 grain) H-Mantel at 3180fps, the 13 gram (200.6 grain) EVO bullet at 3000fps and finally, the 14.5 gram (224 grain) cone point KS bullet at 2710fps. As with most manufacturers, sporting rifle velocities are often lower than test barrel velocities by 70 to 140fps depending on rifle barrel length.

These loads each cover specific game body weights. The KS bullets being the softest for light or lean game, the twin core DK bullet is very similar to the KS bullet in wounding performance but is designed with a partitioned rear core. It was from this design that Nosler created his Partition bullet design and wounding performance of the two are very similar although BC’s differ. Both the KS and DK bullet produce violent wounds, much like the 180 grain .30 caliber SST and Partition bullets and are extremely devastating. BC’s run between .282 and .350 so these are not long range bullets but at ordinary hunting ranges, performance on light to large bodied deer is utterly emphatic.

Wounds produced by the 180.5 grain KS and DK bullets are so severe on lighter medium game that kills are fast regardless of whether momentum (bullet weight) is too high to produce hydrostatic shock. On meat saver shots (behind shoulder) on light bodied game where resistance is poor and which would otherwise result in small exit wounds, the RWS bullets produce wide exit wounds with comparable destruction internally.

Readers will note that the 180.5 grain KS bullet is slightly downloaded. This is one of the conundrums for the European ammunition designer. On the one hand, hunters want fast killing which is best obtained via a wide wounding bullet. On the other hand, excessive meat damage is seen as very poor form. To rectify this, RWS have downloaded the magnum to milder velocities, resulting in a fast killing, moderate recoiling Roe to Red deer load.

In the past, RWS have suggested that the 224 grain KS bullet is suitable for moose however this projectile should not be relied on for anything greater than lightly quartering on or away shots on game of this size. For those completely unfamiliar with the KS bullet design, it is at a fundamental level, a basic cup, core and swage bullet.

The H-Mantel was designed for use on all game up to the size of Moose. That said, the H-Mantel can be prone to bullet blow up on heavy bone at close range therefore it cannot be relied on if hunting very large, heavy animals. Knowing this, RWS have come up with new bullet designs including the EVO. Regardless, the H-Mantel is a fine deer bullet. Penetration is incredible if used on mid weight game. The H-Mantel dumps its energy, shed its entire frontal area for wide wounding, the remaining bullet stub continuing on as a means of ensuring penetration regardless of angles. This is yet another violent RWS bullet. BC of the H-Mantel is .326 and at magnum velocities, tends to be easy enough to work with out to ranges of around 300 yards or so without wind drift becoming problematic.

The EVO is a recent RWS design. Unfortunately, I have not had the opportunity to test this bullet or glean field information from peers. I can therefore only speak of the design premise. The EVO is a core bonded bullet with a polymer tip. In this instance, the tip is the same design (including color) as the loved and thoroughly missed Norma plastic point bullets. This is essentially a round nosed polymer tip behind which lies a massive but shallow hollow point for optimum energy transfer. Of the RWS 8x68 S loads, this heavy 224 grain bullet is designed for Moose.

Norma currently produce only one load for the the 8x68 S, the 196gr A-Frame at 2953fps for realistic velocities of around 2870 to 2890fps in sporting rifles. BC of the A-Frame is .357. The A-Frame loading is designed almost exclusively for large game hunting (Moose). This is quite a shame considering the versatile performance that could once be obtained from the likes of the retired 165 and 196 grain Vulkan bullets. Besides my own research of the Vulcan load, one of my correspondents, a hunting guide in central Europe had for many years enjoyed the incredible stopping power of the 165 grain Vulcan in his 8x68 S rifle. This was his one gun, all-round load for light through to large bodied deer. The new Norma loading is certainly an effective large game load, the Swift A-Frame obtains the balance of both optimum penetration versus optimum trauma. The A-Frame is also a good meat saving bullet and this is perhaps why Norma have adopted the A-Frame as their current sole loading.

As stated in the performance section, I would suggest a body weight limit of 450kg (1000lb) with the 8x68 S using the A-Frame and other premium bullet designs. It is possible to tackle much larger animals but if one wishes to make this cartridge really shine, the 450kg body weight limitation should be taken into consideration. In doing so, much greater attention is placed on shot placement if larger animals are encountered. To think of the 8x68 S as a veritable cannon (a perception which has occurred in the past) is highly counterproductive to optimum usage.

Brass for the 8x68 S is readily available from Norma or RWS suppliers. Suitable powders for 150 to 200 grain bullets are those in the medium slow burning range, 4350 and ADI2209,much like the .338 bores If using heavy 220-230 grain bullets, slower powders in the 4831 / ADI2213sc range work extremely well. Cartridge over all lengths tend to range between 84.5mm and 89mm (3.326” and 3.500”). If using the 150 grain Hornady Interlock, I strongly suggest that hand loaders seat this bullet with the case mouth forwards of the cannelure, ensuring that a length of 8mm of the bullet is seated into the case neck for optimum concentricity. For some reason this particular bullet has its cannelure set 6.3mm (.248”) forwards of the bullet base. This technique can also be applied when utilizing the 150 grain Interlock in other 8mm cartridges.

From a 26” barrel, the 8x68 S is capable of driving 150 grain bullets at up to 3450fps, 175-180 grain bullets at 3100 to 3200fps, 200 grain bullets at 2900 to 3000fps and 220 grain bullets at 2700 to 2800fps. Barrel lengths of European and custom rifles tend to run between 24 and 26”. Typical barrel twist rate for the 8x68 is 1:11, much slower than the 8x57 JS at 1:9.45. The 1:11 twist rate is about perfect for magnum velocities with all bullet weights. The .325 WSM and 8mm Remington Magnum both utilize 1:10 twist rates with a focus on heavy bullet usage.

Having covered the performance of RWS bullet designs in the previous factory ammunition section, there is no need to reiterate performance here. It can be hard to obtain RWS projectiles in western countries however it can be worth seeking out importers. For those who can find an importer, at the very least, the 11.7 gram (180.5 grain) is well worth experimenting with to gain a sense of the traditional performance that the 8x68 S is capable of.

The basic U.S 8mm conventional projectiles loaded in the 8x68s produce very similar results to those obtained using the same brands in .30 caliber. Even at high velocity the 175 grain Sierra Prohunter and 180 grain Nosler Ballistic tip used on lighter bodied deer are clean killers but with rear lung shots kills can be slow and these projectiles are best suited to game weighing between 90 and 200kg (198-440lb) and up to 320kg (700lb) as an upper limit. Bullet selection for the 8x68 S is therefore very important if this cartridge is to produce the emphatic performance it is capable of.

Having covered individual bullet designs in great detail within the 8x57 JS and 8mm-06 texts, the following will focus on optimum bullet designs for the 8x68 S.

If fast on the spot kills are to be expected on lighter medium game (e.g. White Tail) the 150 grain bullets produced by Hornady, Sierra and Speer are the most suitable. That said, at close ranges all are prone to bullet blow up when striking major bones although killing remains emphatic and clean. Expectations are the key.

If ranges are likely to be long (300 yards) when hunting lighter medium game, the soft 150 grain Interlock produces more emphatic results than its tougher brethren. If close range shots are the norm, the Speer or Sierra 150 grain bullets are the go, the Speer being an especially good bullet.

As suggested, mid weight bullets can be problematic in the 8mm bore with U.S designed bullets often producing best performance on game weighing over 90kg (200lb). This can be quite frustrating if a variety of game weights are to be expected. As suggested in the 8x57 JS and 8mm-06 text, the 175 grain Sierra Prohunter can be hollow pointed to enhance performance on game weighing between 40 and 90kg (88-200lb) with the ability to tackle larger body weights of up to 150kg (330lb). The hollow pointed Sierra produces identical results on game to the now obsolete Norma 165 grain Vulcan projectile. The doctored bullet is suitable for taking most angling shots providing the hollow point is not made too wide. If the hollow point is taken to 3.2mm (1/8) which is quite possible with this bullet, penetration is somewhat shallow, limiting effective performance on large bodied deer. If drilling to such a width, the hollow point should be made very shallow, if using a smaller drill bit, the hollow point can be made deeper.

Hornady’s new 170 grain 8mm SST bullet (untested at this time of writing) will hopefully prove to be the ultimate light to medium game 8mm bullet, offering similar performance to the 165 grain Vulcan but with a much higher BC. Having researched the SST extensively in other calibers, this bullet has proven to be one of the most effective medium game bullets ever made and although the new 8mm bullet is designed for the 8x57 JS, I see no reason why it will not have the same virtues as the .30 caliber 165 grain SST which performs well on light to mid weight deer species whether loaded in the .308 Winchester and .300 Magnums. Expected maximum effected range in the 8x68 S is between 850 and 900 yards from muzzle velocities of 3200 to 3300fps.

For game weighing between 90 and 200kg (200-440lb) the 180 grain Nosler Ballistic tip driven at up to 3200fps gives similar results to its 30 caliber counterpart launched from the .300 magnums. Designed purely for open country work, some hunters rely on the 8mm Ballistic tip for game up to the size of Elk (320kg / 700lb) which is the limit for this bullet. The Ballistic Tip is prone to blow up if striking heavy bone at close ranges which is within its design parameters, being a frangible bullet so it cannot be blamed for any lack of bullet integrity. As ranges are extended, the Ballistic Tip comes into its own, capable of producing a balance of wide wounding and adequate penetration. However; it must be remembered that this is a weight / resistance critical bullet if fast killing is to be expected. Driven at full velocities, the BT has an effective range of around 400 yards, after which wounding becomes narrow. In the 8x68 S, the BT is a great Red deer bullet.

It is interesting to note that European bullet manufacturers and hunters are presently adopting solid copper hollow point projectiles, fashioned after the Barnes TSX. As a compromise to achieve large wounds on medium game, European hunters have adopted light weight solid copper expanding bullets. The 9 gram (139 grain) 8mm KJG solid copper hollow point bullet available to German hand loaders (a rare breed) is driven at velocities of between 3450 and 3500fps in the 8x68s. This bullet is utilized to deliver maximum hydrostatic shock and fast killing on light bodied game but is also devastating on game up to 180kg. Barnes have pursued a similar path in recent years, producing lighter TSX and TTSX bullet designs including the 8mm 160 grain polymer tipped TTSX.

The 160 grain TTSX bullet produces best performance on game weighing over 90kg (200lb) and can tackle Elk sized game regardless of its seemingly limited bullet weight. The TTSX produces excellent internal wounding on mid weight deer species and from velocities of around 3300fps, does its best work out to ranges of around 375 yards (2400fps), continuing to produce adequate wounding out to 475 yards (2200fps) before losing disproportionate to caliber wounding.

For large bodied game, there are a number of useful bullets available to the 8x68 S user, ranging from the budget Speer bullet to the Partition, the tough A-Frame, the Barnes TSX bullets through to the Australian Woodleigh bullet designs. The velocities of the 8x68 S do place a level of strain on certain bullet designs so it is important to understand limitations.

For those on a budget, the 200 grain Speer Hotcor loaded to 3000fps is well suited to game weighing between 90 and 320kg (200-700lb) out to moderate ranges. This bullet is not particularly suited to larger game, prone to excessive weight loss and loss of SD or full bullet blow up at close ranges when used at magnum velocities.

The 200 grain Nosler Partition produces excellent performance on game weighing between 90 and 320kg (198-700lb) up to a maximum of 450kg. This bullet can be used out to ranges of between 400 and 500 yards with care towards shot placement. The 200 grain Nosler Accubond also suffers excessive weight loss when used on large game at close ranges but is also very stout when used at extended ranges. This bullet is best suited to game weighing between 90 and 320kg out to ranges of around 300 yards and is only mentioned here because hunters often look to the sleek form of the Accubond as a means to extend range without understanding the consequences of such a core bonded bullet design.

The 180 and 200 grain Barnes TSX bullets are perhaps the most reliable large game 8mm bullets where deep penetration is paramount above all other factors. The trade off is trauma therefore ranges should be kept close if stopping power is a safety concern. The Barnes bullets deliver deeper penetration than all currently available 8mm 200 grain projectiles, producing clean killing on large bodied game out to ranges of around 375 yards. Again, I would suggest a body weight limit of 450kg for this bullet, even though it is easily capable of complete pass throughs on game weighing over 600kg (1300lb). The 8mm bore simply lacks the ability to render wide wounding on heavy game. To this end, if the 8mm Barnes is to be used on heavy game, neck shots are the go, following up with body shots if this is the only target area presented.

Woodleigh produce five Weldcore core bonded projectiles in 8mm. Those with a round nose are designed for 8x57 JS velocities, those with a protected point (PP) are designed to withstand magnum velocities. Nevertheless, in my experience there is no such thing as a Woodleigh bullet that is too soft, regardless of Woodleighs cautious approach. These are excellent bullets and where penetration is sacrificed, trauma is maximized.

The three round nose Weldcore bullets are available in 196, 220 and 250 grain bullet weights. The Protected point is available in 200 and 220 grain weights. For those who need a single purpose large game load, the Protected point bullets are the way to go. If a variety of game and body weights are to be encountered, do not overlook the versatility of the round nose Woodleigh design.

There is a definite difference in performance between Woodleigh’s projectiles, the round nose being more dramatic and faster killing on lighter medium game but in doing so, suffers a trade off in penetration. The 220 grain round nose is a good all-rounder where the hunter can expect to encounter both light through to large game. The slower expanding 220 grain PP is better suited to game weighing between 320 and 450kg (700 to 1000lb). This bullet is suitable for all shots bar tail on. Woodleighs heaviest projectile is the 250 grain round nose, designed for use in the 8x57 JS but with a maximum impact velocity parameter of 2700fps for the magnums. Again, this is a fast expanding projectile and a good all-rounder where both light and heavy bodied game are sought during the same hunt. As long as the hunter maintains realistic expectations of his bore diameter, Woodleigh never ever fails to please. The Woodleigh bullets are best used at close ranges where energy is high, a factor that can add a great deal of excitement to the hunt.

The 220 grain Sierra GameKing is an open country Elk bullet typically suiting game in the 320kg (700lb) range. As a long range bullet, the GameKing has merit although if it were not so stout, it could be used on a wider range of game. Nevertheless, as an Elk bullet, the GameKing can be used out to ranges of around 600 yards. Although the GameKing has been used for such tasks as scrub bull hunting (cattle) in the Australian outback, this bullet is semi frangible and is neither designed for nor suitable for hunting heavy bodied game of this size.

In recent times, I have had 8x68 S users ask about suitable long range loads to be used in an all-round manner for medium game. There is certainly an opening here for bullet manufactures who understand the principles of long range terminal ballistics (which happens to be only a very few). For those who wish to hunt light to large bodied deer (up to 320kg) with a single load, I suggest the 169 grain Hornady match bullet be utilized. This bullet needs to be meplat trimmed and or hollow pointed. The trimmed match bullet is at its best when used on game weighing over 90kg (200lb) but can be put to use on lighter bodied deer providing the projectile is weakened during modification. With a BC of .500 after modification, effective range is around 700 to 750 yards (1800fps) depending on muzzle velocity. If we take Elk out of the mix, the SST is perhaps the most sound option for long range work in the 8mm.

Although both the 8mm Remington Magnum and the much newer .325 WSM are both capable magnums, neither have the history or nostalgia of the 8x68 S, which inspires thoughts of the pioneering days of high powered cartridge development.

In plain terms, the 8x68 S utilizes an extremely well thought out case design and is a potent, emphatic hunting cartridge. Its ballistics may not match the .300 magnums but this cartridge was never designed for the type of long range shooting we know today. Instead, the 8x68 S was designed to produce immense stopping power on mid to large bodied medium game out to normal hunting ranges and the 8x68 S achieves this goal in spades via both velocity and complimentary bullet designs. As new bullet designs emerge, the effective range of the 8x68 S will continue to grow. Ironically, Norma once made a near ideal bullet for this role, the 198 grain HPBT with its very wide and deep hollow point. Now that we have access to range finders and dial capable scopes, the Norma bullet is sadly nowhere to be seen. Perhaps in time we will see new dedicated long range 8mm hunting bullet designs, who knows. Whatever the case, the 8x68 S is a wonderful cartridge and an excellent parent case design.

Suggested loads: 8x68 S

Barrel length: 25”

No

ID

Sectional Density

Ballistic Coefficient

Observed MV Fps

ME
Ft-lb’s

1

FL

RWS 11.7 gram DK

.247

.282

3030

3669

2

HL

150gr Interlock / Speer

.205

.290

3400

3850

3

HL

170gr SST

.233

.445

3200

3865

4

HL

200gr Partition

.274

.350

3000

3996

5

HL

220gr Woodleigh RN 64C

.301

.355

2750

3694

Suggested sight settings and bullet paths

1

Yards

100

257

294

325

350

375

Bt. path

+3

0

-3

-6.4

-9.6

-13.5

2

Yards

100

160

299

337

350

375

400

Bt. path

+3

+4

0

-3

-4.2

-6.8

-10

3

Yards

100

160

297

337

350

375

400

Bt. path

+3

+3.9

0

-3

-4.1

-6.5

-9.4

4

Yards

100

263

302

325

350

375

400

Bt. path

+3

0

-3

-5.4

-8.3

-11.7

-15.6

5

Yards

100

237

274

300

325

350

Bt. path

+3

0

-3

-5.8

-9

-12.7

No

At yards

10mphXwind

Velocity

Ft-lb’s

1

300

10.6

2096

1755

2

300

8.8

2416

1944

3

300

5.9

2562

2478

4

300

8.4

2237

2221

5

300

9.4

2036

2024

8x68 S

Imperial

Metric

A

.511

13

B

.523

13.3

C

29 Deg

D

.478

12.15

E

.359

9.14

F

2.094

53.2

G

.335

8.5

H

2.657

67.5

Max Case

2.657

67.5

Trim length

2.647

67.2

A Mauser action with modified magazine well. This action has been milled forwards towards the lug rebates, the magazine altered accordingly. This was a standard modification for the Mausers when housing long magnum powered cartridges.

THE PRACTICAL GUIDES TO LONG RANGE HUNTING RIFLES & CARTRIDGES

Achieve success with the long range hunting book series & matchgrade bedding products

ABOUT US

We are a small family run business, based out of Taranaki, New Zealand, who specialize in cartridge research and testing ... read more

NATHAN FOSTER’S RESEARCH HAS BEEN USED BY:

FOUND THIS ARTICLE HELPFUL?

If you find the resources on this website to be valuable, we would be sincerely grateful if you would consider making a donation to help us cover the costs of the website and to assist us to continue our research and testing into the future. It doesn't matter whether your donation is big or small - it makes all the difference!

ABOUT US

We are a small, family run business, based out of Taranaki, New Zealand, who specialize in cartridge research and testing, and rifle accurizing.